Speaking to journalists after a five-hour National Security Council (NSC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (Retd) disclosed that the President charged the service chiefs to ensure a safe environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights. The meeting, which took place roughly 90 days before the presidential vote scheduled for January 16, 2027, was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the heads of the military services; and the directors-general of the National Intelligence Agency and the Department of State Services.
Musa stated that the President made it “very clear” that he wants the security forces to remain neutral during the electoral process. “It’s important for all other political parties to understand that the security forces are going to be neutral,” Musa said. He added that the military is committed to providing safety for all Nigerians, ensuring that no candidate or party is intimidated and that everyone has the opportunity to participate without fear.
Beyond electoral security, the President issued a directive for security agencies to “go all out” to locate and rescue all abducted and kidnapped individuals across the country. “There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” Musa said, reaffirming the government’s stance against the operational sanctuaries of criminal groups.
The Defence Minister also addressed recent allegations regarding the recruitment of underage soldiers, rejecting claims that the Nigerian Armed Forces are deploying minors. He clarified that the controversy stemmed from reports of terrorist groups exploiting children, not from military recruitment practices. “There is nobody that is underage that is being brought here,” Musa said.
In efforts to bolster security capacity, Musa announced that President Tinubu would soon inaugurate approximately 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters to enhance aerial surveillance. He also noted that the administration is moving to extend recent salary increases, approved in August for armed forces personnel, to police officers, other paramilitary personnel, and pensioners. The President urged citizens to support security agencies by reporting any misconduct or suspicious activities, stating that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility.
